Sir Alex Ferguson fears that John O'Shea may not be fit enough to return to first-team action for Manchester United until March.
The Republic of Ireland international is struggling to recover from a thigh injury which he sustained during his country's World Cup play-off defeat to France in Paris.
Abou Diaby has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. The 23-year-old France international joined the Gunners from Auxerre in January 2006 and has gone on to score 16 goals in 119 appearances for the club.
Russia international Roman Pavlyuchenko has admitted he must leave Tottenham in January as he feels as though he has become a joke figure at White Hart Lane.
The 28-year-old joined Spurs 18 months ago from Spartak Moscow for £13.8million but has made just four substitute appearances for Harry Redknapp's side in the Premier League so far this term.
Chelsea striker Franco di Santo has extended his loan stay with Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old moved to Ewood Park in August and has scored once in 15 appearances for Sam Allardyce's side so far this term. The Argentinian will now also be eligible for Rovers in both the FA and Carling Cups.
Paul Jewell and Owen Coyle have cooled suggestions that they are being lined up to become Bolton Wanderers' new manager.
Chairman Phil Gartside is keen to make a swift appointment following Wednesday's axing of Gary Megson, although Chris Evans and Steve Wigley will be in charge for Saturday's FA Cup third round clash with Lincoln City.
Former Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga, Peter Reid, Mark Hughes, Darren Ferguson and Alan Curbishley have all been linked with the Reebok Stadium vacancy, although Bolton remain one of the online favourites to suffer relegation this term.
Italy international Luca Toni has agreed to leave Bayern Munich and join AS Roma on loan until the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has been left out of the Bayern first team for much of this season after falling out with coach Louis van Gaal, only starting three Bundesliga matches for the Bavarian giants.
In rugby union, Wasps have signed Samoa prop Sakaria Taulafo on a contract that will run until the end of next season.
The 26-year-old moves to the Guinness Premiership team from Air New Zealand NPC side Tasman Makos.